When a Speeding Citation Can Become a Reckless-Driving Charge
Maryland Transportation §21-901.1 expressly provides that a person is guilty of reckless driving if the person drives a motor vehicle at a speed at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit.
The words “at least 30 miles per hour above” are important. An allegation exactly 30 MPH above the limit reaches the statutory threshold; the alleged speed does not have to exceed the limit by 31 MPH or more.
Maryland's reckless-driving statute also covers driving in wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property. The precise statutory section, alleged speed and circumstances should therefore be identified from the actual citations.
What Does “30 MPH Over” Look Like?
The statutory speed threshold is determined by comparing the alleged speed with the posted speed limit.
The Alleged Speed Is Only One Part of the Case
- Speed written on the citation
- Posted speed limit
- Exact statute charged
- Method used to determine speed
- Officer observations
- Location of the alleged violation
- Vehicle identification
- Additional citations from the same stop
Why a Prince George's County Reckless-Driving Charge Matters
Under current Maryland law, a person convicted of reckless driving is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both.
Maximum incarceration provided by Maryland's reckless-driving statute.
Maximum statutory fine for reckless driving.
Maryland currently assigns six points for reckless driving.
Speeding 30 MPH or more above the posted limit is separately listed at six points.
Why Did I Get Both Speeding and Reckless Driving?
One incident can lead to more than one citation. Depending on what the officer alleges, a motorist may receive a speeding citation together with reckless driving and other traffic charges.
Each citation should be identified separately. The statutes, potential consequences and eventual disposition may differ even when all of the citations arose from the same traffic stop.
Evidence That May Be Relevant
- Radar or lidar information, if applicable
- Pacing evidence, if applicable
- Officer's stated observations
- Posted speed-limit information
- Location and roadway circumstances
- Available video evidence
- Vehicle identification
- Other citations or allegations
Serious Speeding Charges Across Prince George's County
Prince George's County contains major interstate highways, Beltway traffic, heavily traveled state routes and local roads with very different speed limits and driving conditions.
Maryland's reckless-driving statute applies throughout the county. The individual facts still matter, including where the stop occurred, the posted speed limit, the speed alleged and what evidence supports the citations.
Prince George's County Has More Than One District Court Location
Prince George's County has District Court locations in both Upper Marlboro and Hyattsville. The District Court handles traffic violations, but drivers should not assume which courthouse applies to their individual citation.
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-3042 301-298-4000
Hyattsville, MD 20781-2008 301-298-4200
Three Steps After a Prince George's County 30+ MPH Citation
Retain the complete set of citations and court paperwork from the traffic stop.
Identify the alleged speed, posted limit, statutory sections and courthouse information.
Consider the citations, available evidence, driving history and individual circumstances before court.
Talk With Attorney Bennett “Ben” Ostroff
Attorney Bennett “Ben” Ostroff represents motorists facing Maryland traffic matters, including reckless-driving and serious speeding allegations.
If your Prince George's County citation alleges a speed at least 30 MPH above the posted limit, have all citations and your court information available when contacting the office.
📞 Call 443-629-7278Know Exactly What You're Facing
Understanding the precise charges is the starting point for evaluating a serious Prince George's County traffic matter.
- Identify every citation
- Confirm the alleged speed
- Confirm the posted limit
- Identify the statutes charged
- Review available evidence
- Confirm the correct courthouse
Prince George's County 30+ MPH & Reckless Driving FAQ
Is 30 MPH over the speed limit reckless driving in Maryland?
Maryland Transportation §21-901.1 expressly includes driving at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit within the reckless-driving statute.
Does exactly 30 MPH over count?
Yes. The statute says “at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit,” so exactly 30 MPH above reaches the statutory threshold.
Can reckless driving carry jail time in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland's current reckless-driving statute provides for imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both.
How many points does reckless driving carry in Maryland?
Maryland's current points statute lists reckless driving as a six-point violation.
How many points is speeding 30 MPH or more over?
Maryland's current points statute separately lists speeding 30 miles per hour or more above the posted limit as a six-point violation.
Can I receive speeding and reckless-driving citations from the same stop?
A single traffic incident can result in multiple citations. Each charge and the ultimate disposition should be reviewed individually.
Does the 30-MPH reckless-driving provision apply in Prince George's County?
Yes. Maryland Transportation §21-901.1 is a statewide statute.
Where are Prince George's County traffic cases heard?
Prince George's County has District Court locations in Upper Marlboro and Hyattsville. Drivers should follow the courthouse information shown on their citation and official hearing notice.
What evidence can matter in a high-speed traffic case?
Depending on the case, relevant information may include the alleged speed, posted limit, method used to determine speed, officer observations, vehicle identification and other available evidence.
Who handles Prince George's County reckless-driving cases?
Attorney Bennett “Ben” Ostroff of Maryland's Ticket Fighter represents motorists in Maryland traffic matters, including reckless-driving and serious-speeding allegations. Call 443-629-7278.